Norman “Brandy” Lee Brandyberry, 88, was born July 5, 1932, in Rural
Graham County south of Hill City on the old family farmstead to Walter
Abraham and Virginia Pearl (Knouf) Brandyberry. He passed away
peacefully at the Graham County Hospital May 23, 2021.
Norman grew up in Southeast Graham County and started school in a
one room schoolhouse. Norman’s fondest memory of that early time was
when the teacher drove her new car to the school, and he experienced his
first car ride. Norman graduated from Hill City High School in 1950,
which was in the old three-story building. Many times, his friend Verlin
Parks (nicknamed Goose) would literally pick him up and say, “Let’s go
to class." He then proceeded to carry him up the stairs to class.
Following graduation, Norman worked at the Wanker Gas Station where
he met Phyllis Maupin. They were married May 31, 1952. To this union
seven children were born: Neal, Bonny, Darla, Penny, Lea Ann, Tim, and
Jeanette. Norman worked as a farmhand, first for his father-in-law Mutt
Maupin, and then Lew Ninemire and with his Uncle Frank Brandyberry. He
also worked for Irv Hardman for many years in the Graham and Norton
County areas. Norman and Phyllis raised their family on the farm and
taught them about farming and livestock. All of them still have a
passion for that life today.
In the early 1980s, Norman and Phyllis moved the household to Hill
City where he went to work for the City of Hill City as Water
Superintendent. He oversaw both the water and wastewater plants. In
addition to his regular duties, he maintained the Hill City swimming
pool during the summer months.
When Norman retired in 1995, he and Phyllis moved to Derby, Kansas to be near their son Tim and family. Here Norman helped with
Tim’s custom hay and cattle operation. He truly enjoyed this work
until his failing health interfered. Consequently, Norman and Phyllis
moved
back to Graham County where Norman was surrounded by family and
friends. He always looked forward to frequent visits with his
grandchildren. However, he could manage to sneak in a nap in spite of
all the noise and chatter around him. Norman loved his family and was
very proud of them. He also had a sincere fondness for all his
critters, both small and large.
Norman is predeceased by his parents, W. A. “Cot” and Virginia
(Knouf) Brandyberry; one brother Ardon Brandyberry; two sisters: Vada
Tallman and Elaine Brandyberry.
Norman is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Phyllis Elaine
(Maupin) Brandyberry; his two sons: Neal (Gail) Brandyberry of
Republican City, Nebraska and Timothy (Jacki) Brandyberry of Derby; five
daughters: Bonny (Ed) Jordon of Lenora; Darla (Dan) Goodrow of
Ellinwood, Penny (the late Lyndall) Turner of Bluehill, Nebraska, Lea
Ann (Brett) Sharpe of McPherson, and Jeanette (Larry) Mueller of
Wichita; 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and two great- great
grandchildren.
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